The National Theatre today announces a highly anticipated tour of its smash-hit production, Dear England. The Olivier Award-winning Best New Play will visit Birmingham Hippodrome in 2026.

Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England, tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.

Playwright James Graham said: "I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide tour across England.  To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre and then in the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream. Now, to head out on a nation-wide tour feels like winning the treble.  As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I'm especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital.  And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate's transformative term has been a privilege.  I think he has been a remarkable leader, and it fills me with great excitement and joy that we get to share Rupert's euphoric and entertaining production, with all its incredible movement and music, once more with audiences around the country."

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department.  Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre.  Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records.  Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK.  In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.  Dear England won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards.

The 2025/2026 national tour of Dear England is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals. Casting to be announced.

Dear England comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 10 March until Saturday 14 March 2026. Tickets will go on sale to Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 3 April at 11am and on general  sale on Monday 7 April at 11am. Tickets can be purchased at birminghamhippodrome.com